Rep. Louie Gohmert (R., Texas) introduced legislation (HR 4167) today that would amend the 1934 Communications Act, as amended, to require “multi-line telephone systems to have a default configuration that permits users to directly initiate a call to 9-1-1 without dialing any additional digit, code, prefix, or post-fix, and for other purposes.”

The legislation is called “The Kari’s Law Act of 2015.”

“Two years ago this week, a precious life was cut short tragically. Kari Rene Hunt, a resident of Marshall, Texas, was murdered by her estranged husband in a hotel room,” Rep. Gohmert said in a statement. “Kari’s 9 year-old-daughter, while witnessing the brutal murder, did what most all parents teach their kids to do in an emergency — she dialed 9-1-1. However, in this case, Kari’s daughter was unable to reach help because she failed to dial ‘9’ to reach an outside line before dialing 9-1-1. Not only did this tragedy bring sorrow and anguish to a tight knit community, but many in our nation also lost trust in a system it relies on in life or death situations.”

“It is clear that our 9-1-1 system failed in a time of need. No longer should a child, or anyone for that matter, pick up the phone to call for help and get nothing,” the congressman added. “It is necessary to make sure emergency operators can be contacted immediately, when dealing in dangerous situations. The bill I introduced today would ensure that anyone who dials 9-1-1 can reach emergency personnel even if the phone typically requires that user to dial ‘9’ to get an outside line.”

The congressman added, “When we learned this could be easily done with very little if any expense at all, we knew this bill had to become a reality. While this legislation will not reverse the heartbreaking loss of Kari and all the horrors of that day, hopefully, her legacy will safeguard others – so they may never experience a situation of this magnitude.”

“All consumers should be able to dial three numbers, and only three numbers – 9-1-1 – to receive help in emergency situations,” said NG9-1-1 Institute Executive Director Patrick Halley. “The NG9-1-1 Institute appreciates Rep. Gohmert’s leadership in recognizing the importance of ensuring direct access to 9-1-1 for all callers, including users of multi-line telephone systems. Too many lives are lost when that is not the case.”

The National Emergency Number Association said it “commends Congressman Gohmert for his leadership on the issue of improving 9-1-1 access via multi-line telephone systems (MLTS), such as those used in hotels and office buildings. In this high-tech era, it is unfortunate that such a high percentage of MLTS still require users to dial an extra digit before 9-1-1 to reach emergency services. NENA reaffirms its readiness to work with the Congress and the FCC on this issue, and to work with the affected industries to implement it.”

FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai also commented on the legislation introduced today. “Kari’s father, Hank Hunt, has worked tirelessly to ensure that every call to 911 directly connects those in need with emergency personnel who can help.  Congressman Louie Gohmert’s legislation would take us one step closer to accomplishing Hank’s mission,” he said. “I applaud the efforts of Hank, Congressman Gohmert, and the countless others who are working to ensure that calls to 911 always go through.”

Mr. Pai began looking into the MLTS issue last year in the wake of the death of Ms. Hunt (TRDaily, Jan. 13, 2014). Since Mr. Pai’s inquiry began, a number of hotels have moved to enable guests to call 911 directly and more MLTS vendors have begun shipping their products with a default setting of direct 911 dialing, according to Mr. Pai.- Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily